Cloud Microphones FAQ

We are dedicated to providing you with detailed information and support for all our products. This FAQ section is designed to help you quickly find answers to common questions about our range of microphones, accessories, and services. Our FAQs are structured to provide clear and concise information, ensuring you can get the most out of your Cloud Microphones experience.

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Search by Category: Our FAQs are organized into categories such as Product Setup, Troubleshooting, Warranty Information, and Technical Specifications. This makes it easier to find relevant answers.
Popular Questions: Check out the most frequently asked questions for quick help on common topics.
Detailed Guides: For more in-depth information, our detailed guides cover everything from initial setup to advanced usage.

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, our dedicated support team is always ready to assist you. Please feel free to reach out directly at support@cloudmicrophones.com for personalized assistance. We are committed to providing you with the support you need to create amazing sound experiences with our products.

Explore our FAQs below to get instant answers, and thank you for choosing Cloud Microphones!

Can I use it with wireless mics?

Yes! Just plug the output of the receiver to the input of Cloudlifter.
What should I do if I am getting radio interference?

If possible, check your Cloudlifter with a different mic to make sure that it isn’t an issue of improper grounding with the mic. If this does not fix the issue, contact support@cloudmicrophones.com
What is a Cloudlifter?

The CL-1 is the original and most widely tested mic activator in the world. Some of the best sounding mics require the most gain. Cloudlifters solve this problem by providing +25dB of clean, transparent gain.
What about condensers?

Absolutely! However, you will need an auxiliary phantom supply power to do so.
How do I use it?

Cloudlifters are plug & play, simply: Place the CL-1 between your mic and preamp/interface. Enable +48v of phantom power. The Cloudlifter converts the +48v into +25dB of ultra clean gain. The result is hearing more mic with less noise.
What Microphones are compatible with Cloudlifters?

This list is always changing as mics come onto the market, but this is our most up to date list. Dynamic Mics AKG D12 VR, D112, P2, P3, P4, P5i, D5, D40 EV RE20, RE27, RE320, 635A Beyerdynamic M70 Pro X, M88, M201, V70d, Sennheiser MD-421 II, MD 441-U, MD 431 II, MD 435, MD 445 Sennheiser e 609, e 825-S, e 835, e 906, e 945 Shure SM-7b, MV7, MV7X (XLR) Shure SM57, SM58, Beta 57A & 58A Shure Super 55 Deluxe. 55SH Heil PR20, PR 22, 30, PR35, PR40, PR781 Telefunken M80, M81, M82 Rode PodMic, Procaster Audix OM2, OM5, OM7, D4, D6 Tube Mics AKG P820, C12 VR, Golden Age GA-ELA M 251E Lewitt LCT 840, LCT 940, LCT 1040 Manley Reference Cardioid, Silver, Gold Mojave MA-37, MA-200, MA-300, MA-1000 Miktek CV3, CV4 Neumann M49 V, M149, U47, U67 Soyuz 013 Tube, 017 Tube V2, Telefunken C12, TF51, ELA M 251E, TF29, TF39, TF47, TF51, U47 Rode NTK, K2, Universal Audio Bock Warm Audio WA-47, WA-251, WA-8000, WA-CX12 Ribbon Mics (passive or tube) AEA R84, R44, R88 MK2 Beyer M130, M160, M260, M500, Cloud 44 Midnight, JRS-34 Extinct Audio BM2, BM9 Royer R10, 121, 122V, SF2, SF-12, SF-24V Coles 4038, 4040, 4104B Shure KSM313, KSM353 MXL R144, R77 Nady RSM-5, SE Voodoo VR1, X1 R, Golden Age R2 MKII, Shotgun Mics (battery powered) Rode VideoMic NTG Eletret Condensers
Can I combine my Cloudlifter with a passive DI?

Absolutely, this combination was actually the inspiration for our Cloudlifter Zi!
What should I do if I am hearing an electrical hum/buzz when I use my Cloudlifter?

Check the Cloudlifters proximity to electrical equipment, dimmer switches, power cables, etc. If it is near one of these sources, move the Cloudlifter to see if the hum stops. Listen to the rooms' tone to make sure you are not hearing air conditioning or other operating appliances that create a hum. If this does not fix the issue, contact support@cloudmicrophones.com
What should I do if there is a hiss while the Cloudlifter is engaged?

Check that the cables are not faulty by switching them out. Check your headphone amplifier or studio monitor to be sure the levels are not over amplified. If the levels are too high, this can cause hiss. Microphones have their own “self-noise” that can be more noticeable when the preamp noise level is lowered using a Cloudlifter. Test a different microphone to see if the issue stops. If this does not fix the issue, contact support@cloudmicrophones.com
I’ve heard these can protect my passive ribbon mics, what does that mean?

Because the Cloudlifter does not pass phantom power, whenever you use it with a passive ribbon, you can be certain that there will be no accidental damage from phantom power.
What does it do?

A Cloudlifter essentially integrates into your preamp, enhancing it's gain stage. The Cloudlifter circuit works in conjunction with your preamp's components to provide clear gain directly to your microphone, bypassing capacitors and resistors in the audio path. This patented technology ensures powerful and clean amplification. Even when paired with top-tier preamps, Cloudlifters offer distinct advantages in signal-to-noise ratio and microphone sensitivity right from the source.
Why do I want a Cloudlifter and not a cheap booster?

For starters, not all gain is created equal. Not only does the Cloudlifter provide the most transparent gain on the market, our production methods and limited lifetime warranty are unmatched within the industry. We build all of our products by hand in Tucson, AZ out of USA materials, including circuit boards sourced from the Navajo Reservation in Northern Arizona. Each product comes with a limited lifetime warranty that protects again any manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the original purchaser!
Why isn’t my Cloudlifter passing a signal?

Make sure that your interface or preamp is enabled for +48v of phantom power. The Cloudlifter will not pass a signal without it. Be certain to use a passive ribbon or dynamic mic with the Cloudlifter. A condenser will not work with the Cloudlifter unless you use an auxiliary mic phantom power source as both the condenser and Cloudlifter require their own phantom power to function. If this does not fix the issue, contact support@cloudmicrophones.com
What should I do if I am getting radio interference?

If possible, check your Cloudlifter with a different mic to make sure that it isn’t an issue of improper grounding with the mic. If this does not fix the issue, contact support@cloudmicrophones.com
What should I do if there is a hiss while the Cloudlifter is engaged?

Check that the cables are not faulty by switching them out. Check your headphone amplifier or studio monitor to be sure the levels are not over amplified. If the levels are too high, this can cause hiss. Microphones have their own “self-noise” that can be more noticeable when the preamp noise level is lowered using a Cloudlifter. Test a different microphone to see if the issue stops. If this does not fix the issue, contact support@cloudmicrophones.com
Why isn’t my Cloudlifter passing a signal?

Make sure that you are enabling +48v of phantom power on your interface or preamp. The Cloudlifter will not pass a signal without it. Be certain to use a a passive ribbon or dynamic mic with the Cloudlifter. A condenser will not work with the Cloudlifter unless you use an auxiliary mic phantom power source as both the condenser and Cloudlifter require their own phantom power to function. If this does not fix the issue, contact support@cloudmicrophones.com
I have a question about my microphone.

Contact support@cloudmicrophones.com to get personal assistance from one our our Cloud Crew specialists.
What should I do if I am hearing an electrical hum/buzz when I use my Cloudlifter?

Check the Cloudlifters proximity to electrical equipment, dimmer switches, power cables, etc. If it is near one of these sources, move the Cloudlifter to see if the hum stops. Listen to the rooms' tone to make sure you are not hearing air conditioning or other operating appliances that create a hum. If this does not fix the issue, contact support@cloudmicrophones.com
I have questions about my microphone.

Contact support@cloudmicrophones.com to get personal assistance from one our our Cloud Crew specialists.